Sore Throat? Is It a Cold, Strep Throat, or Tonsillitis?

For many common ailments, a sore throat is the typical starting point. Each time that scratchy or painful feeling starts in your throat, you immediately wonder what’s coming next: Is it a cold? Strep throat? Something more severe?

Luckily, there are several easy ways to tell what your sore throat means. Depending on what other symptoms you have, you can start to determine where your sore throat will lead.

And of course, if you become worried about your sore throat, you can always make a quick trip to visit your primary care doctor or a UPMC Urgent Care location.

Why Do I Have a Cough?

Together, a sore throat and cold are often signs you have a cold, which is a form of viral infection. You might have some of the following symptoms: